The Miracle of Saint Vitus
Artist
Franconian Painter of the Nuremberg School
(German, active during the late-15th century in Nuremberg)
Date1494
MediumCradled pine panel
DimensionsImage: 46 x 39 in. (116.8 x 99.1 cm)
Frame: 51 × 44 1/2 in. (129.5 × 113 cm)
Frame: 51 × 44 1/2 in. (129.5 × 113 cm)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN306
Saint Vitus was a 4th-century Sicilian martyr, and he was one of the group called the Fourteen Holy Helpers in 14th-century Rhineland. These holy healers were grouped together by virtue of their alleged healing powers both during and after their lifetimes. Vitus's name is invoked against various nervous disorders, particularly epilepsy, which for a time was in fact called "Saint Vitus's Dance." In this painting, we see Vitus tugging at a tie or part of a shirt of another man who appears distraught. No doubt this painting represents Vitus at work healing a man suffering from some sort of mental illness.
On View
On viewLocation
- Museum of Art, Gallery 03, Wall North
